The Albert H. Small Student/Teacher Institute
June 16-28, 2012
Summer Institute 2012
National History Day announces an exciting and unique summer institute for teachers and students. In June 2012, fifteen student/teacher teams will engage in a rigorous study of D-Day and World War II. Students and teachers will be immersed in lectures presented by leading World War II historians, participate in a scholarly study of the war memorials in the D.C. area and walk in the footsteps of history on the beaches of Normandy. Students will study about and make presentations on various aspects of the Normandy Campaign. The last day in Normandy will be a day of remembrance. The students will lay a wreath at the American Cemetery and present eulogies based on individual pre-institute research of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Institute participants will read eight books in the spring in addition to conducting a historical study of a soldier buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy. Students and teachers should be prepared for at least ten hours of work per week in preparation for the summer institute.
Application Process for Teams of Albert H. Small Scholars
The teachers will be selected by the National History Day committee based on the following criteria:
- Teacher’s resume including full name, work title and institution; the applicant’s home and work addresses and phone numbers; and a work and home e-mail address.
- An essay explaining the applicants’ interest in the institute, stating the applicants’ philosophy of teaching, including how students are engaged in historical research in the classroom now and confirming the applicants’ willingness to make the two required presentations and other school based assignments. The presentations can be school-based, state or national.
- A letter of support from the applicant’s supervisor that attests to employment status in 2012-2013 and agrees to the applicant’s making two presentations at workshops or conferences and participate in National History Day beginning in the fall 2012.
- Student and teacher medical releases.
- A letter of introduction by the teacher of the selected student – who the student is academically and why this particular student was chosen to be the team member.
Students will be selected by the teacher.
Suggested process for selecting students:
- Inform the students about the Normandy Institute (sophomores or juniors only)
- Require a written essay from interested students about why they would be a good candidate and their dedication to the process.
- Form a small selection committee of colleagues
- Create a rubric of criteria for selection (grade point average, evidence of responsibility, dedication to learning opportunities..)
- Select the student
Expenses
Travel, room and board will be covered by the institute.
- The institute covers room and board (double occupancy) during the institute, field trips, international flights, books and materials. Teachers will room with other teachers/ students will room with students.
- Professional readings.
Participants will:
- Pay for the airline tickets and transportation costs to and from the University of Maryland
- And any other costs incurred for travel, e.g. passports, travel insurance…
Because of the physicality of the institute all participants must be able to stand for 45 minutes and walk for at least two miles. In addition, the complexity of the institute’s logistics does not allow for families to accompany the selected participants.
Deadline for Applications:
http://www.nhd.org/normandyinstitute.htm
Complete applications for the 2012 Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom must be received no later than December 1, 2011. Please submit the applications electronically to Ann Claunch, ann@nhd.org or on-line below.
- Applicants selected for the 2012 institute will be notified by e-mail no later than January 15, 2012. Questions may be directed to Ann Claunch, ann@nhd.org.
